PRCA Championship Rodeo at the Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (04/07/2026) (readMedia)-- The 2026 Iowa State Fair is bringing the spirit and excitement of the Wild West to Elwell Family Park on August 13 and 14 at 1 p.m. with a cowboy-style kick-off celebration. Fairgoers can experience world class rodeo action at this elite, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)-sanctioned championship event.

The chutes open for two unforgettable performances as Elwell Family Park transforms into the ultimate western experience. Professional cowboys and cowgirls will compete in seven championship events, including fan favorite rough stock competitions - bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding - along with fast paced timed events: tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping and women's barrel racing. Top rodeo entertainers will also take center stage, including National Finals Rodeo announcer Roger Mooney, animal entertainer Jerry Thornton and the comedy and antics of rodeo funnyman Raul Rodriguez.

As part of the Fair's tribute to the American spirit, Three Hills Rodeo will present a patriotic showcase unlike anything you've seen before - including a striking 16-foot Liberty Bell centerpiece. The event blends Americana with action-packed entertainment, complete with video board features and concert quality sound.

The Wild West begins at the Iowa State Fair, August 13 and 14 at 1 p.m. in Elwell Family Park.

Tickets for the Iowa State Fair Pro Rodeo are available at www.iowastatefair.org:

• Adults: $25 in advance ($30 at the gate)
• Children (ages 2-11): $20 in advance ($25 at the gate)

The full lineup for Elwell Family Park will be announced in the coming weeks, including free and ticketed events, August 13-23.

# # #

PRCA's mission is to grow the sport of PRORODEO, to positively impact our communities, and to provide an exceptional experience for our members, fans, and sponsors.

Iowa's own Three Hills Rodeo, known for performances at the National Finals Rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, and the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, will bring the nation's top bucking horses and bulls to the Fair. A recipient of the PRCA's prestigious Remuda Award, Three Hills is the only stock contractor east of the Missouri River to earn the honor of having the "best herd of bucking horses in the PRCA." Fans can expect adrenaline charged action as Three Hills delivers the thrills and spills rodeo enthusiasts love.

Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair, located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines, is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. Fair Spirit, to be held August 13–23, 2026, promises to stand as one of its most historic events yet. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.